The next time the Detroit Lions take the field, it won’t be about roster battles. It will be about defending their division crown and pursuing a long-awaited goal for the franchise and its fans.

Once roster cuts and potential additions are finalized, the focus shifts to Week 1 at Lambeau Field against the rival Green Bay Packers — a key hurdle in Detroit’s push for a third straight NFC North title.

Before kickoff, MLive spoke with fans outside Ford Field ahead of Saturday’s preseason finale against the Houston Texans to gauge the mood entering the season.

Chris Warmack and James Holifield, a pair of friends who attended the game together, shared expectations of Detroit being among the final teams standing.

“I predict the Lions grabbing the number one seed in the NFC and going to the Su

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